Investment-based Visas and Green Cards
Under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 10,000 immigrant visas per year are available to qualified individuals seeking permanent resident status on the basis of their engagement in a new commercial enterprise.
E-1 Treaty Trader/E-2 Treaty Investor
The E Visa category is available to citizens of countries which have a treaty of trade and commerce with the U.S. E-1 & E-2 are non-immigrant visas which allow an alien to come to the U.S to invest in a new business or to purchase an existing business. An E-1 visa pertains to an international trader whereas an E-2 pertains to an international investor. The E-1 trader must conduct 'substantial' trade between the treaty country and the United States; the E-2 investor must make a 'substantial' investment in the United States. Key employees who are nationals of the treaty country may be eligible for E status. There is no maximum period of stay for this visa category.
E-5 Investor An EB-5 visa may be granted to an individual who makes an investment of not less than $500,000 USD in a business in a rural area, or $1,000,000 in an urban area. Permanent resident status based on EB-5 eligibility is available to investors, either alone or coming with their spouse and unmarried children. Eligible aliens are those who have invested -- or are actively in the process of investing -- the required amount of capital into a new commercial enterprise that they have established. They must further demonstrate that this investment will benefit the United States economy and create the requisite number of full-time jobs for qualified persons within the United States.
Our Services
Millar & Smith Immigration Attorneys, PLLC exclusively practices immigration law and has extensive experience assisting clients with investment immigration matters. We have successfully represented investor clients from around the world. Our investor treaty lawyers are well qualified to assist E visa applicants in all phases of the application process, including:
• Advising clients on how to establish businesses that qualify for an investor visa.
• Helping clients evaluate businesses for E investor eligibility. Demonstrating that a business is going to be profitable enough to support the E treaty trader or treaty investment visa holder.
• Hiring employees (executives and managers, who will need their own E visas) to demonstrate the seriousness of the business or investment.
• Demonstrating that the money to be used to start the business or investment venture came from the applicant.
• Guiding our clients and answering their questions throughout the visa application process.
• Preparation of of investor visa applications for filing with U.S. Embassies or the USCIS. Completing all required features of a valid application.
• Monitoring case progress and keeping clients informed of developments.
• Communicating with government agencies to resolve any problems.
Millar & Smith provides full service representation for filing, test and interview preparation, and defending against actions and requests for evidence (RFEs) from the government. Our immigration attorneys guide the case through processing to ensure proper handling.
Contact us for more information or to start your case.